The problem I see with many sustainable initiatives is that even though they reduce the energy consumption of buildings during occupancy, the products and systems that help achieve that goal are energy intensive. There are many low tech alternatives that should be considered if the context of the project allows it. Evaporative cooling is one of the oldest methods people have employed to stay cool in hot and dry weather. I have tried to take a closer look at the basics and potential of evaporative cooling in some of my blog posts here: